Objective:
The traditional method of resin tapping is a very time-consuming activity since it requires the resin tapper to visit each tree every 10 to 15 days during the season. In order to develop more efficient methodologies, the results of the first experiments carried out using the new drilling technique are presented.
Context:
Due to the recent boom in resin tapping, initiatives have emerged from different research centres and public administrations to make this activity more profitable and therefore sustainable over time, enabling the development of a stable, robust resin sector in Spain. Among these initiatives two large groups can be distinguished: those that seek to increase the productivity of forest stands through genetic improvement programs and those that seek to improve resin extraction operations using new techniques or stimulants. Regarding the latter, experiments are being conducted in the UPM and INIA to test the effectiveness of a drilling technique for resin extraction, consisting of making a hole with a drill bit instead of the traditional bark stripping method.
Contacts:
Santiago Michavila Puente-Villegas; samipuvi@hotmail.com